West Depford Middle School (May 2006)

My 8th grade students have been studing the events of WWII through literature and independent reading. We have dicussed the D-Day Normandy invasion and what it meant to the people of Europe and France in particular. We have also read about the "NORMANDY LIBERTY BELL"and are thrilled that we, being close to Philadelphia, will have an opportunity to see it. We regulary write to veterans of that conflict, but they are fast disappearing and soon they will be no more. That makes our study all the more urgent and your gift of the "NORMANDY LIBERTY BELL" all the more important as a link to the time when this world was on fire and brave young men and women sacrified much to restore what civilized people valuemost, morality and a sens of order. My students would like to thank you personally. I hope you find their throughts interesting and their appreciation of your beautiful gift warm and heartfelt.

As an American, i thank you for remembering the sacrifices of our young people over 60 years ago.

Respectfully,

J.L. Cervone

West Depford Middle Scholl

West Depford, New Jersey USA

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

I am honored to be writing to you. I am very thankfulthat you appreciateus.I have a few questions for you. How did you feel when you saw the Americans coming on the beaches? Exactly how old were you when you saw D-Day? Why did you pick a bell instead of something else? I am very grateful for The Normandy Bell, and happy you remember us

Thank you,

B. D.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

Thank you for remembering the sacrifices made by our soldiers. How did you and your family feel June 6, 1944, D day? Were you scared, happy, amazed? What was life like under German rule? How did you feel when you saw the U.S. soldiers pass you and go to battle? Were you glad to see them? Did you give them any gifts? Why did you choose a bell as a gift? Thank you for not forgetting us by making us the grand Normandy Liberty Bell.

Thank you,

E. G;

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

How did you feel on June 6, 1944 when the United States liberated Europe from the enslavement they had endured? Although the times were probably rough, the U.S. as well as other countries’ soldiers were on the way.Had you any ideasoldiers were on the way to help with Europe’s liberation? When the soldiers walked through the streets, did you talk to any of them? If so, what were their responses? In class, we briefly touched on the reason for the Normandy Liberty bell. Why did you choose a bell as a gift? Thank you for not forgetting about us, and the sacrifices our soldiers made in order for a successful liberation. If you find yourself in New Jersey, we would appreciate your presence.

Thank you,

R. H.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

Wow. I cannot even begin to start thanking you for what you did. Watching men come in from the sea and the sky to liberate your countryon June 6th, 1944, was probably very powerful. If I were in your shoes, I don’t think I would be able to tell about the experience. Did you talk to any soldiers? Did they give you anything, like chocolate? I have read many books on the Holocaust and World War II.I admire you for making our country a Liberty Bell. I heard you are comingto Philadelphia in June. While in the area, will you consider coming to visit our class?

Thanks again.

J. S.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

Before I say anything I would like to thank you for honoring the American troops with the Normandy Liberty Bell.The Normandy Liberty Bell is a beautiful piece of artwork that honors Americans.Have you visited the cemetery where many of these young boys were buried?One day, I hope to visit France, and view the cemetery.Our class has been reading several books on World War II, just reading about the hardships and tragedies made me very emotional.When the American troops came to Normandy on D-day to liberate your land, how were you feeling?Where you scared or filled with joy?I would like to hear all about your experiences during World War II.I hope that maybe one day you can visit our class in West Deptford and tell us all about it.Again, I would like to thank you for never forgetting the Americans who lost their lives fighting in the war.

Yours truly,

K. M.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

The first thing I want to say is thank you for all that you have done for the United States, and thank you for honoring the Americans with the Normandy Liberty Bell. I have a few questions, if you don’t mind answering.Have you visited the cemeteries where the young American soldiers are buried? If you have, what was it like? I want to visit some when I get older, and I would like to have some idea of what to expect. I have read many stories of the hardships and tragic battles of the war and from what I know, you were under extreme circumstances. My next questions are if you had any siblings that were with you? What happened on D-Day? Do you think you were one of the only ones who cared about the Normandy Liberty Bell? Lastly, were you afraid and/or nervous about where you were going and what was going to happen to you? If you could answer those, I would be extremely grateful. Thank you for your time!

Sincerely,

K. D.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

Hello, my name is Nichole Small and I am an eighth grade student at West Deptford Middle school. Mrs. Cervone, my English teacher, told us the story of the Normandy Liberty Bell that you sent to us. It is greatly appreciated. It must have been an amazing sight to see the American soldiers come to liberate your country on D-Day. Did you enjoy having them around? Did you ever receive a chocolate bar or something of the sort from a soldier? Did you or your family ever see a soldier die? Did it surprise you or were you used to it? What possessed you to create a liberty bell? Thank you so much for creating a beautiful bell, we are very appreciative and grateful. I respect and admire your generosity and sincerity in giving this lovely bell. If you wouldn’t mind, maybe you can visit us when you get to Philadelphia in June. We would enjoy that very much. And again, thank you.

Sincerely,

N. S.

Dear Mr. Patrick Dandon,

Thank you very much for your generosity.No one will for get it.The Liberty Bell is a great well known symbol of our country. To bring in another bell, into our country, opens our eyes to the symbol, of freedom. It must have taken; skill, craftsmanship, time and money, to have created this masterpiece. We thank you, for all those things that you have given. Now we have two bells, to cherish, love, and honor. We have been studying about the war and we have read manybooks about it. Thank you for the beautiful bell and for honoring our soldiers. That was such a horrible war only a real hero came out of it. Have you ever visited any of the cemeteries, over in France or Germany? Have you ever served? Thank you so much, you will never be forgotten.

Sincerely,

A. R.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

I am greatly thankful for all the time and dedication you put in to making that magnificent Normandy Liberty Bell, which symbolizes freedom and liberation day. My class and I heard stories of what you went through during the time of June 6, 1944. When you saw the American planes comingit must have been exciting.What an impactand inspiration your story had on me. Please stop by and visit us some time.

Sincerely

L. M.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

Thank you for remembering our soldiers that went over to your country and liberated it.They risked a lot to make your country a safe place you and your people to live. Some of them even paid the ultimate price,death.You and a few others have put together a great gift, one that must have taken time, money, patience, and lots of efforts.Not many people would send such a gift that you have sent, they would send a thank you card with a bunch of signatures on it.Not many people would do much to thank the soldiers that have put their life on the line to save there country.Every time that we look at the Normandy Liberty Bell we will stand still and remember all of the soldiers whohave died to make your country a safe place to live.I would like to say thanks once more for the bell and I would also like to ask you a few questions; First- Where you scared when the soldiers came to liberate your country and save your life.Second- Did you and your family do anything else besides the bell to thank the soldiers for putting their life on the line and for giving your country a second chance.Please if you could write back to our class.

Sincerely,

C. P.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

What was it like to see all those men walk across the beach, did they say or give you anything to you, and did you say anything or give anything to them? It would be an honor to know what it was like being there and seeing what you saw and happened. We are very grateful for the Normandy Bell. Thank you

Sincerely,

M.A.

West Depford Middle Scholl

Dear Mr. Daudon,

My name is Courtney Hitchner and I am an eighth grade student attending West Deptford Middle School. As a class we recently learned several things about your life, and World War II, including D-Day, and I am still curious to learn more. When you saw the thousands of airplanes flying above you, how did you feel and what thoughts were running through your head? Were there tears of joy, or tears of fright? Also knowing you were a child during D-day, did you understand everything that was happening? My last question is, in your heart, what was the significance of chosing a bell as a gift to us Americans?

I would like to thank you for never forgetting us and the sacrifice American soldiers made on behalf of the French to allow children to grow up free in France.

Sincerely,

C. H.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

Thank you so much for thinking about America’s sacrifices for French freedom. I am very grateful for the wonderful bell that you gave to us. We have talked only a little bit about D-Day, but I trust and hope that we will be learning a lot more soon! I was only wondering, why did you choose to give the Americans a bell for helping with your freedom? Why not something else? It must have been pretty amazing to have seen such a wonderful thing like winning your freedom only as a child.

Thank you so much again for our beautiful Normandy Liberty bell, it’s been an honor for all Americans to have aided and taken part in helping you reach freedom.

Hope all is well!

Sincerely,

A. K.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

My name is Lizzie Dalsey and I’m an 8th grader at the West Deptford Middle School. I have been learningmuch about World War II and D-Day. The topic that seemed to interest me the most was the Normandy Bell that you gave to us.

Thank you so much for remembering all the young American boys who risked every thing they had just so the young French could be free. I am sure I speak for every one when I say that we are extremely grateful for the Bell. I was wondering though, why did you choose to give us a bell, why not something else? How did you and your family feel when you watched those young American soldiers finally walk over free soil?

It must have been such an exciting moment to gain your freedom at such a young age. Thank you once again for remembering those who died for your country, but most of all thank you for showing everyone that those young American soldiers have not been forgotten.

Sincerely,

L. D.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

Hello, my name is Cara Magee, I am an eighth grader at West Deptford Middle School. In school we have been learning about World War II, and D-day, Holocaust and concentration camps.This really interests me, and I appreciate learning about it. It’s an honor to have in our presence the Normandy Liberty Bell as a symbol of your gratitude to America, a symbol of the soldiers who lost their lives fighting for your country and others. They fought for you and your family, and all the other men, women, and children who were praying for a miracle.

I don’t think I’d have the courage and bravery as you did to be able to cope during that crucial time. Although it must have seemed as if you were in a dream when you watched those thousands of U.S planes and ships passing by you.

I can’t even imagine the wonderful sight. Have you visited any of the American Cemeteries of the men who helped you?

What was rushing through your mind when you saw the Americans? Were you afraid, did you understand why we were there? I’m glad to hear that there is someone who is grateful, and appreciates Americans, and what they risked for you.

I know that June 6, is a remembrance of that time. If you are going to be in Pennsylvania at that time maybe you could come by and talk to us. It would be an honor to have you here, and I’m sure you have some wonderful stories. I hold you in high respect as should everyone. I’d like to thank you once more for accepting our letters, and for the gift from your heart.

Sincerely,

C. M.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

My name is Amy McKeever and I am an eighth grader at the West Deptford Middle School.We have been learning a lot about D-Day and your Normandy Liberty Bell did not go unnoticed.

Thank you for remembering all the brave men who came ashore on the beaches of Normandy on June the 6th, 1944.We are very proud to receive this memorial to them.I’m sure you had many feelings building up inside of you as you saw the many American ships and planes coming toward your land and young American boys jumping out of planes and ships in order to save your country, but is there a way you could explain exactly how you felt?

Thank you again for not forgetting us and the sacrifices American soldiers made in their youth, so young French children could grow up free.

P.S- Have you ever came to America, and if so would you come and visit us at the West Deptford Middle School?

Thank you for your remembrance and appreciation,

A.Mc.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

My name is Danielle Kirk, and I want to thank you so much for the wonderful gift of the Normandy Liberty Bell, that you have given our country in thanks of saving your country. I also want to let you know that I think the world would not be the same if you were not there to see what you saw that happened that day in your youth. I am glad and thank you for not forgetting what we Americans have done to save the young children in your country. The Normandy Liberty Bell is so unique and is greatly appreciated by our country. I also want to know, what was it like to see all the liberating army all at once?

Once again, thank you so much for your appreciation!

Sincerely,

D. K.

Dr. Mr. Patrick Daudon,

My name is Andrew Whalin, I would like to thank you for everything you have done on June 6, 1944 by bringing the Normandy Bell to America. How did your family and friends feel about the war? Did any of your friends join with you when you watched the liberating army come ashore? Have you visited any of the cemeteries? I couldn’t even imagine what it’s like watching or fighting in a battle. I’ve actually read a book this year about D-Day, it was very sad reading about what people went through fighting for their country. Once again, I would like to thank you for everything you have done and the bell you have made for our country, I really appreciate it.

Sincerely,

A.W.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

My name is Donald Dennis.What was it like to watch all of the American soldiers walk up on the beach on June 6, 1944?Did the soldiers say anything to you or give youanything?Did you say anything to soldiers?What did you see?Were you frightened by all of the machinery?Was anyone with you?It would be an honor to know what happened.Did you ever visit the American grave yards in France?Thank you for the Normandy Bell.Just like our Liberty Bell stands for freedom, your Normandy Bell now stands for freedom of France and all the world.

Sincerely,

D.D.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

My name is Jacquelyn Marcone.How did you feel on June 6, 1944? Were you scared, happy, or amazed, how? Do you ever come to America? If you do come on June 6 of this year would you come and visit our class? Thank you so much for not forgetting the young American soldiers who helped the French children grow up in freedom, also thank you for the beautiful Normandy bell.

Sincerely,

J.M.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

My name is Keya Loggins and I want to know how you felt when you saw the Americans come to save your country? Also what was your reason for picking the Normandy Liberty bell as a gift for the United States? It would be a great gift if you were to come to our school and told us your story. I would like to say thank you for giving us the Normandy Liberty bell.

Yours truly,

K. L.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

I would first like to thank you for not forgetting the soldiers who risked their lives for your freedom as I’m sure you deeply appreciate it.

As I was thinking about the Normandy bell, I came across a few questions I was compelled to ask, such as- as you were watching thousands of planes fly overhead, what was it like? Was it like you were dreaming, trapped in a nightmare, or was it just as real as you and me? Also, why did you choose a bell to commemorate D-Day and the sacrifices young men?

Thank you again for your remembering.

Sincerely,

L.B.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

How did it feel to stand in the line of fire on Normandy Beach, and cheer on American Troops? I would give anything to have an experience like that. Did they give anything to you as they rushed by? I would keep something like that as a memento.

On a different note however, I thank you sincerely for donating the Normandy Liberty Bell to America, it is a wonderful symbol of the appreciation that the French must have felt when America liberated France. I’ll be sure to visit the Bell when it returns to Philadelphia after its tour around the country.

Thanks for your thoughtfulness.

Sincerely,

J. R.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon

What was it like to see such a picturesque moment in history? To think you had to reside under German rule for so long. What was it like during those wretched years? Did you comprehend what was happening to your country, or was it a big mystery to you? Did you choose a bell because you felt liberty rang for Europe on D-Day or did you haveanother reason? Thank you for remembering the sacrifice our forbearers made, I too am eternally grateful.

Sincerely,

A.R.

Dear Patrick Daudon,

Thank you for sending the American people a beautiful Normandy Bell. You showed great generosity and appreciation for the D-Day invasion of Normandy. When you saw all of the planes and ships when you were a young boy, how fascinating was it and also, why did you choose a bell as a gift instead of choosing something else? Your decision was very unique. You must have loved the fact that you were liberated from the German control to such an extent that you would send us such a great gift. I really appreciate your consideration for the American people.

Sincerely,

J.P.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon,

We have been taking time out of our language arts class and we are learning about you as a young kid on D-Day. When you saw the Americans did they tell you anything about what was happening when you were out there greeting

them. I along with America want to that you for giving us the Normandy Liberty Bell. If everyone had a heart like yours there would be nothing to worry about in life.

Sincerely,

J.D.

Dear Mr. Patrick Daudon

The bell you sent us was very nice. D-day must have been very tough. How did you feel?Were you happy

when you saw the Americans come? How was it like under German rule for saw long? Did you get your freedoms

Taken away when the Germans took over. What did you think of the war? Did you see many American troops.

What were you reactions to them the first time you saw them. Thank you for the bell. It is very nice.